Sleeping Dogs (2024)

It is a thriller that explores the dark recesses of memory and the impact of Alzheimer's on the life of a former homicide detective.

The plot follows a former detective who, while undergoing experimental treatment for Alzheimer's, reopens an old case involving the brutal murder of a university professor, a case closed ten years earlier.

The detective, who was kicked out of the police force some time ago, visits a black death row inmate, Isaac (Pacharo Mzembe), whom he helped incarcerate ten years ago, after getting him to confess to a murder. Isaac is days away from execution.

The boy now claims he is innocent. But he admits he was in the house the night Joseph Wieder (superb Márton Csókás), a professor at Waterford College, was beaten to death.

The boy claims that Roy knows he is innocent and begs him to review the case. This leads our protagonist into a deep-dive, labyrinthine task that will gradually remind him of things.

As the investigation progresses, new clues and secrets are uncovered that complicate the narrative, keeping the viewer on edge.

Adam Cooper, making his feature film directorial debut, makes it clear from the very first images of the film that the viewer must understand the protagonist's illness.

Russell Crowe's performance is undoubtedly the highlight of the film. Playing a former detective struggling with memory loss, Crowe delivers a compelling and emotional performance, capturing the desperation and determination of his character.

His ability to convey the emotional complexities of a man facing both his inner demons and external danger is remarkable.

Likewise Tommy Flanagan acquits himself well in his role and Karen Gillian acquits herself well in a script that doesn't treat her well.

The film has tension, a surprising story based on a good novel, a genuine, very believable performance from all its protagonists, who are all very good, and above all it is highly entertaining.

The psychological and intriguing atmosphere is another very successful aspect, reminiscent of an old film, very credible.

A serious, suspenseful crime film, well worth seeing.